Mismatched (36 page)

He’s mocking me again but I don’t mind. “Sure,” I say, shrugging.

“So, number one: Okay, well, I came using the bar as a ruse rather than showing up all doe-eyed and desperate because ye’re so damn independent and have yer shit so together that it seemed like the only way that I could become necessary in yer life. The opportunity presented itself, and I took it. I never wanted yer bar. I’ve only ever wanted to help ye. You talked passionately about the Pot O’Gold the first night I met ye. I wouldn’t dream of interfering with yer dream.”

He coughs and then continues. “Number two: Who’s watching my shop? Well,” he shifts closer to me, “
Siobhán is my partner and more recently Donal has invested in the business. Thanks to the injection of cash that came from the bar buyout, we were able to pay off all our debts and bring Donal into the business risk free. Well, as risk free as anyone could hope. I couldn’t let him invest before when I had creditors breathing down my neck.” He smiles and looks at the paper again.

“Number three: Yes, I do realize that I cannot work while on this visa, which by the way is a six-month visa. I own the majority of shares in Surf n’ Turf and I can draw a salary from that. Furthermore…,” he says this last word with gravity and grins. “Do ye like that? Do ye like the way I can sound all legal an’ shit?”

I tilt my chin down and deliver my ‘don’t fuck with me’ look, which urges him to go on.

“Furthermore, Siobhán, Donal, and my good self are not entirely opposed to investing in other ventures, either at home or abroad, should the opportunity arise.”

My stomach lurches a little. Does he mean The Pot O’Gold? Is it the bar that he’s actually after?

“To clarify, Erin, that venture would have to be similar to Surf n’ Turf — outdoor adventure, that kind of thing. In short, we kinda fancy becoming a multi-national of sorts. But the good kind, obviously,” he adds hastily.

“Oh,” I say, relieved. “But what about when your visa expires and you have to leave? What then?”

“Darlin, that’s a few months away yet. Let’s take it one day at a time and see where this goes. To quote the great Mr. John Lennon, ‘Life is what happens when you’re busy making plans’. Let’s just take it slow and see where we are in four or five months.”

This wait-and-see idea is a new concept to me. I have my five-year plan. I plan everything to the nth degree; I always have. I’m not sure if I can take my foot off the gas and see where the road takes me.

“I dunno,
Michaél. I’m afraid of falling in love with you and finding myself shattered into a million pieces when it doesn’t work out five months from now.”

“I know. Me too.”

I search his face for clues — clues as to who he really is, what he really wants. His expression is open and honest, and even though he’s still full of mysteries, I want to get to know him better. Truth is, it would hurt like hell to let him go now, risks be damned.

He reaches for my hand that is resting on the bed, and weaves his fingers through mine. Leaning in, he plants a kiss on my mouth. His lips nuzzle my cheek, then my neck.

“Life is a leap of faith, Erin. Let’s take this jump together.” Reaching his hand up to my cheek he pulls me down onto the bed.

I’m not sure I even have a choice anymore. The thought of letting him leave my life without even trying to make it work is no longer an option. Maybe we’re in it for the long haul or maybe we’ll be a short and sweet fling, but either way I wanna find out.
 

“Let’s jump,” I say between kisses. “From the cliffs to the sea below.”

Let’s just hope nobody gets dashed on the rocks…

The End
 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elle Casey
is a prolific,
New York Times
and
USA Today
bestselling American writer who lives in Southern France with her husband, three kids, and several furry friends. She writes in several genres and publishes an average of one full-length novel per month.

A personal note from Elle …

If you enjoyed this book, please take a moment to leave a review on the site where you bought this book, Goodreads, or any book blogs you participate in, and tell your friends! I love interacting with my readers, so if you feel like shooting the breeze or talking about books or your family or pets, please visit me.
 
You can find me at …

www.ElleCasey.com

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www.Twitter.com/ellecasey

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amanda McKeon was born and educated in Dublin, Ireland, but left in her early twenties to travel the world. She lived and worked in Mexico, Australia, and the UK, before settling in the south of France with her husband, two daughters, and feisty Jack Russell terrier Sammy. When not working on her novels she writes regular articles and blogs about her other great passions: parenting and yoga.

.

A personal note from Amanda …

If you enjoyed this book, please take a moment to leave a review on the site where you bought this book, Goodreads, or any book blogs you participate in, and tell your friends!
 
You can find me at …

http://amanda-mckeon.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AmandaAuthor

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OTHER BOOKS BY ELLE CASEY
 
NEW ADULT ROMANCE
By Degrees
Rebel
(3-book series)

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Shine Not Burn
(2-book series)

Don’t Make Me Beautiful

Full Measure
(written as Kat Lee)

Just One Night
(romantic serial)

Just One Week
(romantic serial)

Love in New York
(3-book series)

YA PARANORMAL
Duality
(2-book series)

Pocket Full of Sunshine
(short story & screenplay)

YA URBAN FANTASY
War of the Fae
(7-book series)
My Vampire Summer
Aces High
(with Jason Brant)

YA DYSTOPIAN
Apocalypsis
(4-book series)

YA ACTION ADVENTURE
Wrecked
(2-book series)

OTHER BOOKS BY AMANDA MCKEON

Morrigan: Emergence

Morrigan: Blue Moon rising